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Best components to optimize Martin Logan 50XT and Edge in walls

Good Day All,
  I am by no means an audiophile and am looking for advice to optimize my final system.  Currently looking a 5.1. Home theater is the main usage for system located in the living room.  House hold compromise has led to equipment listed in title.  My current concern how to get the most out of my system within cost constraints when competed.  I would appreciate your recommendations for an amp, sub woofer, and in wall rear/surrounds (1 set of speakers) that would accomplish this . Pre amp/receiver will change over time, I assume.  Listening area is 18 by 20 with 20 foot vaulted ceiling, tile floor, open to kitchen on one side(not included in dimensions), double doors open on the other, and 2 windows.  Room acoustics will be another house hold issue.  Am recently retired and hope to spend around 5k or less now to accomplish this with possible upgrade path.  Any help from experts appreciated.  Judging by the quality of systems I see discussed here if I have belittled this site in any way I apologize in advance.  
lovepoozer

Showing 3 responses by auxinput

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
@lovepoozer - Can you tell us exactly what components you currently have?  It's not exactly clear if you already have a HT preamp/processor, or if you just have a few speakers.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I agree with the fact that your front 3 speakers should match as close as possible.  The surround speakers are not as critical to match exactly.

If your current Denon receiver sounds dull and lifeless to you, then you probably don't want a warm sounding AVR/amp.  I would avoid the Marantz receivers for you (even though they are very nice sounding).  I would look at the Anthem MRX 720 or even the Cambridge Audio CRX 200.  The Cambridge is know for a very clean/fast/clear sound with lots of attack and detail.

Like ethos123 said, the brand of subwoofer doesn't really matter.  SVS make excellent subs.  The HSU Research subs are very good for the money.

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Wow, you're right!  The Cambridge CRX200 does not have full 7.1 pre-outs!  If you have any goal to add an amplifier, this is NOT a good solution.  The Cambridge would be good if you wanted only an AVR and that's it!

If you have your heart set on an amp, then you are better off looking for an HT Processor.  These will have better power supplies and analog stages than AVR -- and will usually have balanced XLR outputs.  The good ones get expensive really fast, but there are a few you can look at that are going to be in the $1,000 to $2,000 range and still support the latest standards:

- Anthem AVM 60

- Integra DHC 60.7

- Integra DHC 80.6

Then look for a decent 5 channel amplifier.  Emotiva XPA-5 is a good value and will sound nice if you throw some Isoclean fuses in there.  Stock, this amp is too bright/harsh in my opinion.

Or get a few Parasound A23 stereo amps to use for your 5.1 channels.

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